Remotely manually controlled multi-axis skeet target throwing system

ABSTRACT

A target throwing system for use in shooting sports includes a target throwing mechanism and a control system. The target throwing mechanism includes a pedestal, a thrower carriage atop the pedestal and a clay target thrower assembly atop the thrower carriage. The control system includes a remote fire control unit a control interface collocated with the target throwing mechanism. The thrower carriage provides a pitch assembly to adjust the pitch angle of the target thrower assembly and a roll assembly to adjust the roll angle target thrower assembly. Linear actuators effect the desired adjustments. The fire control unit receives manual user input, through a joystick, to independently select the pitch and roll angles of the thrower assembly and, through a push button switch, to initiate ejection of a shooting target from the thrower assembly. The fire control unit may be integrated with the control interface by wired or wireless connection.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application claims, as a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. §120, all available benefit of and priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/514,891 filed by Applicant on Oct. 15, 2014, which claims, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), all available benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/891,119 filed by Applicant on Oct. 15, 2013. By this reference, the full disclosures, including the claims, abstracts and drawings, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/514,891 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/891,119 are incorporated herein as though now set forth in their respective entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sport shooting. More particularly, the invention relates to a remotely, manually, and preferably joystick, controlled multi-axis tilting machine and skeet thrower.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic skeet throwers are usually set to a fixed position which doesn't allow users to shoot skeet at multiple angles of twist or elevation. In order to throw skeet at different angles, pitches, and the like, the user must stop shooting and manually adjust the skeet thrower to a different throwing angle or pitch.

This change requires shooters to stop shooting and manually adjust the skeet thrower. Fixed position throwers must be manually manipulated to change the direction of throw of the skeet and the shooter cannot shoot skeet while the machine is being moved.

Some throwers allow add on components such as, for example, a wobble kit that continually changes the direction of throw, but these add on features operate on a continuous basis and do not allow the shooter to choose the exact direction of throw or easily repeat the direction of throw should the shooter wish to repeat a certain direction. Throwers without a wobble kit, on the other hand, are set in a fixed position and do not move at all and will continuously throw the skeet in the exact same location with each throw of the skeet thrower.

This invention seeks to improve over the prior art by allowing an operator to throw skeet at any chosen compound angle, i.e. while the throwing direction and pitch are remotely selected by a third party. Furthermore, the throwing direction can be changed or held constant, as desired, thereby allowing the shooter to master the prior direction of throw before changing to a new direction of throw.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention—a target throwing system for use in shooting sports—broadly comprises a target throwing mechanism and a control system. In at least the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the target throwing mechanism comprises a pedestal, which may, for example, comprise a pillar extending upwardly from a substantially planar base; a thrower carriage dependently supported atop the pedestal; and a thrower assembly dependently supported atop the thrower carriage, while the control system comprises a fire control unit adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism and a control interface collocated with the target throwing mechanism. As contemplated by the present invention, the thrower assembly is adapted to forcefully eject shooting targets such as, for example, clay shells or “pigeons.”

The thrower carriage preferably generally comprises a top portion; a pitch assembly adapted to adjust the pitch angle, front to back with respect to the pedestal, of the top portion; and a roll assembly adapted to adjust the roll angle, side to side with respect to the pedestal, of the top portion. Although the top portion of the thrower carriage may comprise the upper structures of the roll assembly (or, if the assemblies are reversed, the upper structures of the pitch assembly), which upper structures may directly support the thrower assembly, the most preferred implementations of the present invention contemplate that the top portion of the thrower carriage will comprise a substantially planar table top, upon which the thrower assembly is mounted.

The remotely located fire control unit is operable, in response to manual user input, to independently select the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; select the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; and to initiate ejection of a shooting target from the supported thrower assembly. The control interface, collocated with the target throwing mechanism, is adapted to operably interconnect the fire control unit and the target throwing mechanism. In at least some implementations, the control interface may also include power distribution provisions, such as, for example, a relay bank adapted to provide electrical power to the pitch assembly and/or roll assembly in response to manual user input received by fire control unit.

In order to provide a maximally intuitive interface for imparting user input, the fire control unit most preferably comprises a joystick. In such an implementation, the joystick is adapted to receive manual user input in selection of the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage as well as manual user input in selection of the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage. Additionally, if such an implementation also implements a relay bank, the relay bank will be adapted to provide electrical power to the pitch assembly and/or roll assembly in response to manual user input received by the joystick in selection of the pitch angle and/or roll angle, respectively, of the top portion of the thrower carriage.

In at least some implementations of the present invention, the pitch assembly may comprise a pitch frame rotatably attached to the pedestal and the roll assembly may comprise a roll frame rotatably attached to the pitch frame. In such implementations, the thrower carriage may further comprise a first linear actuator dependently connected between the pitch frame and the pedestal, and thereby adapted to effect the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage, and a second linear actuator dependently connected between the roll frame and the pitch frame, and thereby adapted to effect the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage. Additionally, if such an implementation also implements a joystick in connection with the fire control unit and a relay bank in connection with the control interface, the relay bank will be adapted to provide electrical power to the first linear actuator and/or the second linear actuator in response to manual user input received by the joystick in selection of the pitch angle and/or roll angle, respectively, of the top portion of the thrower carriage.

In the most preferred and simplest implementations of the present invention, the fire control unit is connected with the control interface through an electrical cable. In alternate implementations, however, the fire control unit may comprise a radio transmitter and the control interface may comprise a radio receiver. In these implementations, the radio receiver is adapted to receive signals generated by the radio transmitter to indicate manual user input selecting the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage, selecting the roll angle of the top portion of said thrower carriage and initiating ejection of a shooting target from the thrower assembly. Although not otherwise described herein, it is noted that with the aid of the detailed description following implementation and integration with into the present invention of such a radio system will be well within the ordinary skill in the art.

In a slightly varied implementation of the present invention, the target throwing system for use in shooting sports generally includes a target throwing mechanism, which comprises a pedestal and a thrower carriage dependently supported atop the pedestal and adapted to dependently support a thrower assembly, and control system, which comprises a fire control unit adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism and a control interface collocated with the target throwing mechanism. In such an implementation, the fire control unit is operable, in response to manual user input, to independently select the pitch angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; select the roll angle of the top portion of the thrower carriage; and to initiate ejection of a shooting target from a thrower assembly as may be dependently supported atop the thrower carriage. Additionally, in such an implementation, it is most preferred that the top of the thrower carriage comprises a table top, which in turn may comprise a plurality of prearranged holes for mounting any one of a plurality of thrower assemblies.

Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows, in a front left isometric view, the preferred implementation of the target throwing system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows, in a back right perspective view, a typical thrower, or “trap,” assembly suitable for implementation of, or utilization with, implementations of the target throwing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows, in a top isometric view, a typical clay target, or “pigeon,” for which the thrower assembly of FIG. 2 is adapted to launch;

FIG. 4 shows, in a cross-sectional view taken through cut line 4-4 of FIG. 3, various details of the clay target of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows, in an exploded back right isometric view, the various components of the preferred implementation of the pedestal of the target throwing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows, in an isometric view, details of an actuator mounting plate as utilized, in the preferred implementation of the present invention, in connection with the pedestal of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows, in a back right isometric view generally corresponding to the view of FIG. 5, the pedestal of FIG. 5 as assembled for use;

FIG. 8 shows, in an exploded front left isometric view, the various components of the preferred implementation of the pitch frame, which forms a major part of a pitch assembly utilized in the preferred implementation of the target throwing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows, in a front left isometric view generally corresponding to the view of FIG. 8, the pitch frame of FIG. 8 as assembled for use;

FIG. 10 shows, in the front left isometric view of FIG. 9, various details of the integration of a plurality of actuator mounting brackets with the assembled pitch frame of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows, in an isometric view, details of an actuator mounting bracket as utilized, in the preferred implementation of the present invention, in connection with the assembled pitch frame of FIG. 9 and an assembled roll frame, as depicted in FIG. 14;

FIG. 12 shows, in the front left isometric view of FIGS. 9 and 10, the pitch frame of FIG. 9 with the actuator mounting brackets of FIG. 10 integrated therewith;

FIG. 13 shows, in an exploded front left isometric view, the various components of the preferred implementation of the roll frame, which forms a major part of a roll assembly utilized in the preferred implementation of the target throwing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 shows, in a front left isometric view generally corresponding to the view of FIG. 13, the roll frame of FIG. 13 as assembled for use;

FIG. 15 shows, in the front left isometric view of FIG. 14, various details of the integration of an actuator mounting bracket with the assembled roll frame of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows, in the front left isometric view of FIGS. 14 and 15, the roll frame of FIG. 14 with the actuator mounting bracket of FIG. 15 integrated therewith;

FIG. 17 shows, in a front left isometric view generally corresponding to the view of FIG. 1, various details of the integration of the preferred implementation of the pitch assembly of the present invention with the preferred implementation of the pedestal of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows, in a detail view located at reference element 18 in FIG. 17, further details of the integration of the pitch assembly with the pedestal, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows, in an isometric view, a pitch frame axle as utilized in the integration of the pitch assembly with the pedestal, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows, in the front left isometric view of FIG. 17, various details of the integration of the preferred implementation of the roll assembly of the present invention with the preferred implementation of the pitch assembly of the present invention, thereby forming a thrower carriage dependently supported atop the pedestal assembly;

FIGS. 21 through 23 show, in isometric views, a preferred implementation of a tubular linear actuator as utilized in the preferred implementation of the carriage assembly of FIG. 20, and wherein, in particular,

FIG. 21 depicts the distal end of the tubular linear actuator, showing the tubular linear actuator with its actuator rod fully retracted and also a mounting clevis as provided on the distal end of the actuator rod,

FIG. 22 depicts the base end of the tubular linear actuator, showing a mounting clevis utilized to attach the base end of the tubular linear actuator to another component of the target throwing system of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 23 depicts the distal end of the tubular linear actuator, showing the tubular linear actuator with its actuator rod fully extended;

FIG. 24 shows, in a detail view located at reference element 24 in FIG. 20, various details of the mounting of the actuators, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 25 shows, in an isometric view, a roll frame axle as utilized in the integration of the roll assembly with the pitch assembly, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows, in a detail view located at reference element 26 in FIG. 25, various details of the roll frame axle of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 shows, in a detail view located at reference element 27 in FIG. 20, further details of the integration of the roll assembly with the pitch assembly, in accordance with the preferred implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 28 shows, in a front left isometric view, details of the integration of a thrower table top with the roll assembly, in accordance with the most preferred implementation under the present invention of the carriage assembly;

FIG. 29 shows, in an isometric view, the preferred implementation of a fire control unit forming a part of the target throwing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 30 shows, in the isometric view of FIG. 29, various additional details of the fire control unit of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 shows, in a schematic block diagram, the preferred implementation of the control system of the target throwing system of FIG. 1, including various details of the integration of the control system with various components of the target throwing mechanism of the target throwing system;

FIG. 32 shows, in a right side elevational view, the range of pitch motion of the carriage assembly and dependently supported thrower assembly, as may be achieved in accordance with the preferred implementation of target throwing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 33 shows, in a front elevational view, the range of right roll motion of the roll assembly and dependently supported thrower assembly, as may be achieved in accordance with the preferred implementation of target throwing system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 34 shows, in a front elevational view, the range of left roll motion of the roll assembly and dependently supported thrower assembly, as may be achieved in accordance with the preferred implementation of target throwing system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Referring now to the figures, and to FIGS. 1 and 31 in particular, the target throwing system 40 for use in shooting sports is shown to broadly comprise a target throwing mechanism 41 and an associated control system 128. In at least the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the target throwing mechanism comprises a pedestal 42, a thrower carriage 60 dependently supported atop the pedestal 42 and a thrower assembly 118 dependently supported atop the thrower carriage 60, while the control system 128 comprises a fire control unit 140 adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism 41 and a control interface 129 collocated with the target throwing mechanism 41. To this end, the term “remotely,” the phrase “adapted for use at a location remote from said target throwing mechanism” and other terms or phrases of similar import are, as used herein, expressly defined to mean that remote object, i.e. the fire control unit 140, is located a sufficient distance from the reference object, i.e. the target throwing mechanism 41, to enable the safe operation of the fire control unit 140 by a third party while a shooter is actively engaged in fire against targets launched from the target throwing mechanism.

As contemplated by the present invention, and as depicted in FIGS. 2 through 4, the thrower assembly 118 is of the type adapted to forcefully eject shooting targets 147 such as, for example, clay shells 148 or “pigeons.” As particularly shown in FIG. 2, and as is well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such a thrower assembly 118 generally comprises a housing 119 containing a spring mechanism, firing actuator and like devices utilized to selectively spin a throwing arm 121 about an axis of rotation, thereby forcefully ejecting a shooting target 147 from the thrower assembly 118. Additionally, and of particular advantage in use with or as part of the present invention, a typical thrower assembly 118 is “automated,” whereby upon receiving a simple electrical signal a target retainer and loading bar 124 is activated to cause a shooting target 147 stored in a provided magazine 123 to be dropped onto the throwing arm 121 just prior to the rapid “flinging” of the throwing arm 121.

Although many such thrower assemblies are readily available, an exemplary thrower assembly 118 suitable for use with or as part of the present invention is that which is commercially available from Champion Traps & Targets of Anoka, Minnesota under its trademark “EASYBIRD.” As shown in FIG. 1, such a thrower assembly 118 may be purchased with a mounting bracket 125, comprising a plurality of mounting holes 126, with which the conventional mounting hardware 127, such as bolts, washers and nuts, may be utilized to secure the thrower assembly 118 to any appropriate structure, including the top portion of thrower carriage 60 of the present invention. As also shown in FIG. 1, such a thrower assembly 118 is also typically provided with safety features such as, for example, the depicted arm path indicator 122. All such manufacturer or otherwise provided safety features should at all times be properly and fully employed during use of the present invention. Finally, it is noted that such a thrower assembly 118 will also typically be provided with conventional electrical cabling 120, as depicted in FIG. 31, and associated connectors as required, which are utilized to integrate and operate the thrower assembly 118. In order to preserve clarity in the many detailed drawing figures, however, the electrical cabling 120 for the thrower assembly 118, as well as all other electrical and like cables 72, 91, 146, 151 implemented in the present invention, are shown only in FIG. 31 and are omitted from the remaining drawing figures.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 through 7, in particular, an exemplary pedestal 42 suitable for implementation of the target throwing system 40 of the present invention is shown to generally comprise a pillar 46 supported by, and projecting upwardly from, the top face 44 of a substantially planar base 43. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower end 47 of the pillar, which is preferably manufactured of steel, is preferably welded to the top face 44 of the substantially planar base 43, which also is preferably manufactured of steel. Additionally, the pedestal 42 is shown to comprise carriage mounting provisions 50. Although the utilization of the carriage mounting provisions 50 will be better understood further herein, it is now noted that these provisions 50 include a pair of tubular stubs 52 welded to the side faces 49 of the upper end 48 of the pillar 46 about a pair of through holes 51 extending side to side through the side faces 49 of the upper end 48 of the pillar as well as an actuator mounting plate 56 welded to the back face 55 of the pillar 46.

As shown in FIG. 7, each tubular stub 52 is provided with through holes 53, which, as will be better understood further herein, will receive conventional hardware 70 utilized to secure and stabilize a pitch frame axle 68. As shown in FIG. 6, the actuator mounting plate 56 comprises a base plate 57 have projecting from one face thereof a clevis tang 58 adapted to connect with a mounting clevis 101 of a tubular linear actuator 98, as also will be better understood further herein. To this end, however, the clevis tang 58 is provided with a through hole 59 adapted to receive suitable actuator mounting hardware 110.

Still further, it is noted that one side face 49 of the pillar 46 is provided with a plurality of tapped holes 54, which will be utilized, as better understood further herein, for conveniently dependently mounting a control housing 130, such as, for example, a conventional junction box, utilized to house components of the onboard control interface 129. Finally, it is noted that the substantially planar base 43 is also preferably provided with a plurality of mounting holes 45, which may be utilized, as may be desired, for securing the pedestal 42 to fixed foundation, trailer or other bogie type frame, conventionally journaled locking casters or a like structure.

As will be better understood further herein, and as generally shown in FIGS. 17, 20 and 28, the preferred implementation of the thrower carriage 60 of the present invention comprises a pitch assembly 61, a roll assembly 73, a thrower table top 114 and a pair of tubular linear actuators 98. The pitch assembly 61 is constructed from a specially formed pitch frame 62 and attached to the pillar 46 with a pitch frame axle 68 and one tubular linear actuator 98 dedicated for use as the pitch actuator 71. Likewise, roll assembly 73 is constructed from a specially formed roll frame 74 attached to the pitch assembly 61 with a roll frame axle 81 and one tubular linear actuator 98 dedicated for use as the roll actuator 90.

Referring then to FIGS. 8 through 12, the manufacture of the pitch frame 62, and provision thereof with a pair of actuator mounting brackets 92, are detailed. As particularly shown in FIG. 8, the pitch frame 62 is generally comprised of a plurality of steel tubular sections 63. Two of the tubular sections 63 will be utilized as hinge sections 64, and therefore are adapted to mount over and about the pitch frame axle 68. To this end, the pitch frame 62 must be designed such that the hinge sections 64 are maintained free from internal obstructions. Another of the tubular sections 63 will be utilized as a roll axle mounting section 65, and therefore is adapted to dependently receive the roll frame axle 81. To this end, the pitch frame 62 must also be designed such that the roll axle mounting section 65 is maintained free from internal obstruction. With these considerations in mind, the pitch frame 62 is assembled as a weldment as particularly depicted in FIG. 9.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 10 through 13, a pair of actuator mounting brackets 92 is provided in connection with the assembled pitch frame 62. To this end, two of the tubular sections 63 are utilized as actuator mounting bracket attachment sections 66 and are thus prepared by the provision of through holes 67 adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware 152 for securing the actuator mounting brackets 92 to the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections 66. As shown in FIG. 11, a suitable actuator mounting bracket 92 comprises a base 93 having a clevis tang 94 projecting from one face thereof and adapted to connect with a mounting clevis 101, 108 of a tubular linear actuator 98. To this end, the clevis tang 94 is provided with a through hole 95 adapted to receive suitable actuator mounting hardware 110. A pair of oppositely oriented wings 96 are also provided, with are sized and shaped to embrace the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections 66 and are provided with through holes 97 adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware 152 for securing the actuator mounting brackets 92 to the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections 66. As shown in FIG. 12, the attached actuator mounting brackets 92 are oriented, as will be better understood further herein, to accommodate the dependent support, between the pitch frame 62 and the pillar 46, of the pitch actuator 71 and, likewise, to accommodate the dependent support, between the roll frame 74 and the pitch frame 62, of the roll actuator 90.

Referring then to FIGS. 13 through 16, the manufacture of the roll frame 74, and provision thereof with an actuator mounting bracket 92, are detailed. As particularly shown in FIG. 13, the roll frame 74 is generally comprised of a plurality of steel tubular sections 75. Two of the tubular sections 75 will be utilized as hinge sections 76, and therefore are adapted to mount over and about the roll frame axle 81. To this end, the roll frame 74 must be designed such that the hinge sections 76 are maintained free from internal obstructions. With these considerations in mind, the roll frame 74 is assembled as a weldment as particularly depicted in FIG. 14.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, an actuator mounting bracket 92 is provided in connection with the assembled roll frame 74. To this end, one of the tubular sections 75 is utilized as actuator mounting bracket attachment section 77 and is thus prepared by the provision of through holes 78 adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware 152 for securing the actuator mounting bracket 92 to the actuator mounting bracket attachment section 77. As shown in FIG. 16, the attached actuator mounting bracket 92 is oriented, as will be better understood further herein, to accommodate the dependent support, between the roll frame 74 and the pitch frame 62, of the roll actuator 90. Additionally, however, another two of the tubular sections 75 are utilized as thrower table mounting sections 79 and are thus prepared by the provision of through holes 80 adapted to accept conventional mounting hardware 116 for securing the thrower table top 114 (or, alternatively, the thrower assembly 118 directly) to the thrower table mounting sections 79.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 through 28, the details of the assembly of the thrower carriage 60 and its mounting atop the pedestal 42 are described. As particularly shown in FIG. 17, the assembled and prepared pitch frame 62, as shown in FIG. 12, is first mounted to the pedestal 42 by inserting the pitch frame axle 68 in order through the fully hinge section 64 of the pitch frame 62, the two tubular stubs 52 of the carriage mounting provision 50 and then into the remaining hinge section 64 that terminates in one of the actuator mounting bracket attachment sections 66. With the pitch frame axle 68 so placed, the pitch frame axle 68 is secured and stabilized in place with conventional mounting hardware 70, such as bolts, washers and nuts, as particularly shown in FIG. 18. To this end, it is noted, as shown in FIG. 19, that the pitch frame axle 68 comprises a plurality of through holes 70 corresponding to the through holes 53 through the tubular stubs 52. In any case, the pitch frame 62 is then stabilized by dependently affixing the pitch actuator 71 between the actuator mounting plate 56 welded to the back face 55 of the pillar 46 and the downwardly oriented actuator mounting bracket 92 affixed to the pitch frame 62, thereby completing the pitch assembly 61.

Before addressing the details of the completion of the roll assembly 73, it is again noted that the pitch actuator 71 and the roll actuator 90 are each implemented, in accordance with this exemplary description, utilizing identical tubular linear actuators 98 as shown in FIGS. 21 through 23. Referring then to FIGS. 21 through 23, each tubular linear actuator 98 is shown to generally comprise an actuator body 99 housing conventional mechanisms for providing fast acting thrust and pull forces at about one to two inches per second under load over a three inch stroke length, as well as holding force at any point during retraction or extension of an actuator rod 105. As shown in the figures, the base end 100 of the actuator body 99 is provided with a mounting clevis 101 having through holes 102 for accepting appropriate actuator mounting hardware 110. The distal end 103 of the actuator body presents a rod orifice 104 for operably receiving therein a base end 106 of the actuator rod 105. The distal end 107 of the actuator rod 105, on the other hand, comprises a mounting clevis 108 with through holes 109, of substantially the same form as the mounting clevis 101 of the base end 100 of the actuator body 99. Although many substantially equivalent actuators are readily commercially available, Applicant has found suitable the model FA-04-12-03 commercially available from Firgelli Automations of Ferndale, Wash.

As should therefore now be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the pitch actuator 71 and the roll actuator 90 are dependently mounted in such a manner as to require active rotation with respect to their mounting devises 101, 108. As a result, “appropriate” mounting hardware 110 should be adapted to accommodate this motion without risk of inadvertent loosening of the hardware 110. To this end, as particularly shown in FIG. 24, the most preferred implementations of this aspect of the present invention comprises utilization of shoulder bolts 111, thereby providing pivotal axes while nonetheless maintaining the security of utilized lock washers 112 and nuts 113.

Returning then to FIG. 20, the assembled and prepared roll frame 74, as shown in FIG. 16, is next mounted to the completed pitch assembly 61 by inserting the roll frame axle 81 in order through one of the hinge sections 76 of the roll frame 74, the roll axle mounting section 65 of the pitch frame 62 and then into the remaining hinge section 76 of the roll frame 74. As is the case with the pitch frame axle 68, it is necessary to secure the roll frame axle 81 in place. As will be apparent further herein, however, extra care should be taken to ensure that the roll frame axle 81 does not interfere with the desired motion of the completed roll assembly 73. As a result, a low profile means for securing the roll frame axle 81 is desired. To this end, and although other substantially equivalent structures are possible, Applicant has found it suitable to implement the roll frame axle 81 in generally the form of a large hitch pin. As particularly shown in FIG. 25, the roll frame axle 81 is therefore provided at a first end 82 with a low profile 83 and at a second end 84 with a neck 86, extending from and a shoulder 85 near the end of the roll frame axle 81, and provided with a cross hole 87, as shown in FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 27, the described end treatment accommodates fastening the roll frame axle 81 in place utilizing a flat washer 88 secured with a split cotter pin 89. In any case, the roll frame 74 is then stabilized by dependently affixing the roll actuator 90 between the unused actuator mounting bracket 92 affixed to the pitch frame 62 and the single actuator mounting bracket 92 affixed to the roll frame 74, thereby completing the roll assembly 73.

Finally, the assembly of the thrower carriage 60 is completed by attaching the thrower table top 114 to the uppermost portions of the roll frame 74. As particularly shown in FIG. 28, the thrower table top 114 generally comprises a substantially planar steel plate provided with table mounting holes 115 corresponding in size and location to the through holes 80 provided in the thrower table mounting sections 79 of the assembled roll frame 74. As shown in the figure, the thrower table top 114 is secured in place atop the assembled roll frame 74 utilizing conventional mounting hardware 116 such as, for example, bolts, washers and nuts. As also shown in the figure, the thrower table top 114 is further preferably provided with a plurality of prearranged thrower assembly mounting holes 117. Although the required holes could be drilled at the time of assembly, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that by pre-providing such mounting holes 117 for popular brands of thrower assemblies the chance of interference with elements of the roll assembly 73 is lessened. Alternatively, “clear” zones for drilling may be marked on the top surface of the thrower table top 114.

As previously noted, the target throwing system 40 of the present invention also comprises a control system 128, including, as a critical aspect of the present invention, a fire control unit 140 adapted for use at a location remote from the target throwing mechanism 41 and, in a most preferred aspect of the present invention, a control interface 129 collocated with the target throwing mechanism 41. As particularly shown in FIGS. 29 through 31, the fire control unit 141 preferable comprises a body 141 and a controller interface 145 for interoperation with the target throwing mechanism 41. In the most preferred implementations, the body 141 houses or otherwise supports a joystick 142 for intuitively controlling pitch and roll and a pushbutton firing switch 143 for readily and easily initiating launch of a shooting target 147. Additionally, indicia of operation 144 should be provided as an aid to the user. In the most preferred and simplest implementations, the controller interface 145 of the fire control unit 140 is connected to the fire control interface 132 within the control housing of the onboard control interface 129 utilizing conventional electrical cabling 146 and connectors as required.

As particularly shown in FIG. 20, the control housing 130 is preferably mounted to a side face 49 of the pillar 46 of the pedestal 42 utilizing conventional securing hardware 139 such as, for example, flange bolts. Mounted in such an “out of way” location, the control housing 130 serves in the first instance as a convenient means for cable management, thereby ensuring that the various electrical connections do not become entangled in the moving components of the target throwing system 40. Additionally, however, the control housing may house an actuator power distribution unit 133, comprising a bank of actuator driving relays 134, whereby low current signals from the a fire control unit 140 may be utilized to deliver high current power, received through a power source interface 131, to the pitch actuator 74 and the roll actuator 90. To this end, the power distribution unit 133 also comprises a pitch actuator interface 135, which is operably connected by conventional electrical cabling 72 to the pitch actuator 74, and a roll actuator interface 136, which is likewise operably connected by conventional electrical cabling 91 to the roll actuator 90. Still further, the power source interface 131 is conventionally connected through appropriate conventional electrical power cabling 151, and connectors as required, to an external power source 149 such as, for example, a conventional 12-Volt direct current battery 150. Finally, the control housing 130 also provides a convenient central location for providing both power and control for the thrower assembly 118. To this end, a thrower interface 153 is provided which for connecting the electrical cabling 120 of the thrower assembly 118.

In use, the joystick 142 is repositioned as required (as shown in the differences between FIGS. 29 and 30) in order to intuitively effect a desired pitch angle (as shown in FIG. 32) and/or to intuitively effect a desired roll angle (as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34). Because the adjustment is fully manual, as opposed to being dependent upon any automated system, the joystick 142 is particularly useful. To this end, it is noted that the preferred implementation of the present invention contemplates that the joystick will approximate the direction normal the desired position of the top surface of the thrower table top 114. In any case, when the thrower assembly 118 is positioned as desired, the fire button 143 on the fire control unit 140 may then be depressed one or more times to launch as many targets 147 as may be desired before selecting a new launch orientation.

While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and claims drawn thereto. For example, in at least some implementations a thrower assembly 118 could be mounted directly to the uppermost structures of the assembled roll assembly 73, obviating any need for a thrower table top 114. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the control housing 130 of the onboard control interface 129 should be provided with a water resistant but readily removable lid 137 such as may be secured in place using pan head machine screws 138 or other conventional hardware.

In a slight more complex modification of the implementation as heretofore described, it is noted that, in light of the foregoing exemplary description, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the described “stacking” order of the roll assembly 73 atop the pitch assembly 61 may readily be reversed such that the pitch assembly 61 rests atop the roll assembly 73. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target throwing system for use in shooting sports, said target throwing system comprising: a target throwing mechanism, said target throwing mechanism comprising: a pedestal; a thrower carriage dependently supported atop said pedestal, said thrower carriage comprising: a top portion; a pitch assembly adapted to adjust the pitch angle, front to back with respect to said pedestal, of said top portion; and a roll assembly adapted to adjust the roll angle, side to side with respect to said pedestal, of said top portion; and a thrower assembly dependently supported atop said thrower carriage and being adapted to forcefully eject a shooting target therefrom; and a control system, said control system comprising: a fire control unit adapted for use at a location remote from said target throwing mechanism, said fire control unit being operable, in response to manual user input, to independently: select the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; select the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; and initiate ejection of said shooting target from said thrower assembly; and a control interface collocated with said target throwing mechanism, said control interface being adapted to operably interconnect said fire control unit and said target throwing mechanism.
 2. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 1, wherein: said fire control unit comprises a joystick; said joystick is adapted to receive manual user input in selection of the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; and said joystick is adapted to receive manual user input in selection of the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage.
 3. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 2, wherein said pitch assembly comprises: a pitch frame; and said pitch frame is rotatably attached to said roll frame.
 4. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 2, wherein said roll assembly comprises: a roll frame; and said roll frame is rotatably attached to said pedestal.
 5. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 4, wherein said pitch assembly comprises: a pitch frame; and said pitch frame is rotatably attached to said roll frame.
 6. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 2, wherein said roll assembly comprises: a roll frame; and said roll frame is rotatably attached to pitch frame.
 7. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 2, wherein said pitch assembly comprises: a pitch frame; and said pitch frame is rotatably attached to said pedestal.
 8. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 7, wherein said roll assembly comprises: a roll frame; and said roll frame is rotatably attached to said pitch frame.
 9. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 8, wherein said thrower carriage further comprises: a first linear actuator dependently connected between said pitch frame and said pedestal, said first linear actuator being thereby adapted to effect the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; and a second linear actuator dependently connected between said roll frame and said pitch frame, said second linear actuator being thereby adapted to effect the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage.
 10. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 9, wherein: said control interface comprises a relay bank; said relay bank is adapted to provide electrical power to said first linear actuator in response to said manual user input received by said joystick in selection of the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; and said relay bank is adapted to provide electrical power to said second linear actuator in response to said manual user input received by said joystick in selection of the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage.
 11. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 9, wherein: said fire control unit comprises a radio transmitter; said control interface comprises a radio receiver; and said radio receiver is adapted to receive signals generated by said radio transmitter indicating manual user input selecting the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage, selecting the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage and initiating ejection of said shooting target from said thrower assembly.
 12. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 11, wherein: said control interface comprises a relay bank; said relay bank is adapted to provide electrical power to said first linear actuator in response to said manual user input received by said joystick in selection of the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; and said relay bank is adapted to provide electrical power to said second linear actuator in response to said manual user input received by said joystick in selection of the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage.
 13. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 9, wherein said fire control unit is connected with said control interface through an electrical cable.
 14. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 13, wherein: said control interface comprises a relay bank; said relay bank is adapted to provide electrical power to said first linear actuator in response to said manual user input received by said joystick in selection of the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; and said relay bank is adapted to provide electrical power to said second linear actuator in response to said manual user input received by said joystick in selection of the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage.
 15. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 9, wherein said pedestal comprises a pillar upwardly extending from a substantially planar base.
 16. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 9, wherein said top portion of said thrower carriage comprises a table top.
 17. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 9, wherein said shooting target comprises a clay shell.
 18. A target throwing system for use in shooting sports, said target throwing system comprising: a target throwing mechanism, said target throwing mechanism comprising: a pedestal; a thrower carriage dependently supported atop said pedestal, said thrower carriage comprising: a top portion adapted to dependently support a thrower assembly for forcefully ejecting shooting targets; a pitch assembly adapted to adjust the pitch angle, front to back with respect to said pedestal, of said top portion; and a roll assembly adapted to adjust the roll angle, side to side with respect to said pedestal, of said top portion; and a control system, said control system comprising: a fire control unit adapted for use at a location remote from said target throwing mechanism, said fire control unit being operable, in response to manual user input, to independently: select the pitch angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; select the roll angle of said top portion of said thrower carriage; and initiate ejection of a shooting target from a thrower assembly dependently supported atop said top portion of said thrower carriage; and a control interface collocated with said target throwing mechanism, said control interface being adapted to operably interconnect said fire control unit and said target throwing mechanism.
 19. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 18, wherein said top portion of said thrower carriage comprises a table top.
 20. The target throwing system for use in shooting sports as recited in claim 19, wherein said table top comprises a plurality of prearranged holes for mounting any one of a plurality of thrower assemblies. 